Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY357942 Unique Reference Number 15 May 2008 Inspection date Judith Chinnery Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This childminder registered with Ofsted during 2007. She lives with her partner and daughter aged one year in a two bed roomed terraced house close to the centre of Leicester. There are schools, parks and shops close by. She is able to offer four places to children aged under eight years at any one time and currently cares for four children aged under eight years at different times.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor area is available for childminding. There is also a secure rear garden available for outside play. The family have no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy good health and a healthy lifestyle while at this setting. The children are cared for in a clean environment so that the likelihood of cross-infection is minimised. For example, the childminder talks with the children about the importance of washing hands and offers gentle reminders and encouragement. Good hygiene routines are well-established to encourage

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 the children to wash their hands and to help them learn about being healthy. Effective records about children's dietary needs and any accidents or medication are also well-maintained, which enables the childminder to meet their health needs accordingly. However, permission for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment or advice is not currently sought or recorded. This means that the childminder may be less able to meet children's individual needs in an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are very well-nourished because the childminder provides a wide choice of fresh foods including oranges, grapes and raisins. The children enjoy a variety of snacks and meals during the day such as chicken with vegetables and potatoes or sandwiches with cucumber and fruit. Children have access to fresh drinking water at all times, which ensures that they are unlikely to become thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are very active, they like to get outside and use a variety of resources to climb or ride on. Children are developing good large body moving skills, such as, running and climbing because the childminder provides a variety of opportunities both inside and out for children to move around. Children benefit from being out in the fresh air most days.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe and well-protected in this setting. Children have access to a wide range of well-chosen and developmentally appropriate resources such as Duplo and puzzles. They are stored safely, either in the cupboard or in boxes so that the children can help themselves. They are able to sit, eat and play safely at the table because the childminder has good safety equipment in place such as a high chair with harness as well as low tables and chairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is vigilant regarding children's safety. The setting is well-maintained with safety features such as stairs gates which prevent access to the stairs and which help to minimise dangers to the children. They learn about keeping themselves safe too when they discuss the fire drill and talk about dangers. External exits are kept secure to prevent unwanted visitors gaining access to the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded in the setting. The childminder has a good understanding about protecting children in her care. She has a good understanding about signs of abuse, such as changes in children's behaviour and unexplained injuries. She is also clear in her knowledge of what to do should she be concerned, such as recording information and reporting to the local Children's Services team.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children really enjoy being in this setting and make good progress in their play and learning. Children are developing into skilful communicators because the childminder talks with them about what they are doing such as talking about the things which they saw at Abbey Park. They enjoy completing puzzles and talk about what they see in the pictures as well as creating models with the duplo such as making a park scene. The children are interested in the natural world around them and love to explore the garden outside checking the growth of the sunflowers they have planted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children benefit from sharing a close relationship with the childminder which helps them to feel settled and secure. The childminder knows the children well and uses this knowledge to provide and change the activities and resources she offers the children. The childminder is good at providing a wide range of activities which stimulate and interest the children she cares for. This means that children are fully engaged and busy in exploring and investigating the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are able to join in, take responsibility and play an active part in this setting. Children are starting to develop some respect for themselves and others because they can explore and learn about differences, other cultures and beliefs. They do this through sharing books that they have borrowed form the library as well as playing with dolls and figures which reflect diversity and positive images. The childminder has some knowledge about caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She ensures that activities are adapted to suit individual needs and that all children are supported to take an active part in the life of the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is committed to working closely with parents asking about particular wishes, likes and dislikes so that children's individual needs are met. The childminder shares a daily diary with parents recording what they have been doing each day as well as passing on messages, so that parents are fully informed about their child. Effective records such as agreements also ensure that parents are well-informed about the care of their child. Compliments and complaints from parents are managed well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave really well because the childminder sets clear boundaries. She works effectively with parents to consult them and keep them informed about their child and behaviour management. Children respond positively to kindly reminders, clear explanations and redirection to other activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her setting well to support the care of children. The provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Organisation

The childminder has undertaken necessary training to promote her understanding of child development and is committed to continually improving her provision though accessing child care courses and groups. She keeps accurate and up-to-date records, such as attendance registers. This helps to ensure that she cares for children within the numbers indicated on her registration certificate. Children enjoy individual attention, which ensures that their care, learning and play are well supported. Well-written policies such as those detailing the childminder's procedures for managing behaviour and promoting equal opportunities, support children's ability to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve and make a positive contribution well.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of any complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • obtain permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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